Aberdeen International Airport looks for AccessABZ Members

A forum to help passengers requiring assistance travel confidently through Aberdeen International Airport is looking for new members.

AccessABZ helps the airport to engage and consult with local disability organisations and users of its assistance service.

The first meeting of 2021 is due to take place on Wednesday in an online capacity with provisions made for those needing BSL interpreters.

The group normally meet twice a year at the airport, but this couldn’t take place in 2020 due to covid-19 restrictions.

New members will have the opportunity to contribute to the airport and help it become a more accessible environment for all.

AccessABZ promotes the continuous improvement and review of services to ensure the needs of users of the assistance service is met.

Started in 2015 the group has already helped the airport make positive changes in its service, including a new assistance service desk being opened beside the main entrance.

Aberdeen International Airport is also part of a number of initiatives including the sunflower hidden disability lanyards to help make air travel more friendly and accessible for all passengers.

The airport can also offer passengers the opportunity to have familiarisation tours of the terminal prior to travel plans and produced a series of videos to help passengers travel confidently.

Kevin Douglas, Terminal Operations Manager at Aberdeen International Airport said: “Airports can be highly stressful environments for those with hidden disabilities or who need special assistance and Aberdeen Airport is committed to ensuring that all passengers using the facility are able to travel in as stress-free an environment as possible.

“We appreciate that passengers who require assistance may have some anxieties in relation to Coronavirus.  We would like to reassure you that we have introduced a range of measures to help people travel safely. In addition, our assistance team will take the time to understand your needs and to make sure you are comfortable.

“We are in close dialogue with many local and national disability organisations in order to keep improving the service we provide. We actively seek feedback on our facilities to ensure they are fit for purpose and welcome the input of individuals and groups to shape our future provision.

“This is a great opportunity for any person, charity or organisation to get involved and contribute which would benefit the airport and help us become a more accessible environment for all.”